As wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles, many local jewelers have lost everything—homes, businesses, and priceless collections. But in the face of overwhelming loss, the jewelry industry has stepped up in remarkable ways, with trade groups and individual brands coming together to raise funds for those affected.
The Southern California wildfires, which are now expected to be among the costliest in U.S. history, have left a trail of destruction, particularly in areas like Pacific Palisades. Among the hardest-hit businesses is David Tishbi Jewelry, where the store and home of Holly Surya-Tishbi and her husband, the owner, were completely destroyed. “We lost our store and our home. We lost everything,” she shared in an emotional statement.
In response, industry groups like Jewelers of America and Diamond Council of America have launched donation efforts, collecting funds for those whose businesses have been ravaged by the fires. All donations are tax-deductible, and the relief fund is providing much-needed support to impacted jewelry retailers and manufacturers.
Several jewelry companies are doing their part to help, with brands like Harwell Godfrey raising $11,000 from an online auction of its Charity Heart pendant, donating the proceeds to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Similarly, Camilla Seretti is donating 25% of its sales to wildfire relief efforts, while Little Words Project is contributing 100% of sales from its Resilience bracelet to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund.
As communities rally together to help those in need, these efforts are a testament to the jewelry industry’s unwavering resilience and generosity in times of crisis. Many retailers and designers have also offered direct assistance to local shelters, food banks, and animal rescue groups in the Los Angeles area, proving that even in the face of tragedy, the industry’s spirit remains unbreakable.